Derek Jeter: 5 Likely Landing Spots If the New York Yankees Don't Re-Sign Him

The New York Yankees are going to re-sign Derek Jeter, right? Right? Surely, they'll find some money in their infinite budget to bring back their captain, a guy who has led the team to five World Series championships.

Though the Yankees will ultimately reach some sort of middle ground with Jeter, keeping him in pinstripes for the rest of his career, they aren't making things easy.

The Yankees' brass has called out Jeter on a couple occasions this offseason, saying his ego is getting in the way and that they won't overpay for a guy who isn't worth as much as he thinks he is.

So, if the Yankees do end up making Jeter so mad he won't play for them, where will he go?

Here's a look at the top five teams that would be ready to pounce if Jeter doesn't sign an extension with New York.

Honorable Mention: St. Louis Cardinals

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 22: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees speaks with Phil Hughes #65 on the mound in Game Six of the ALCS against the Texas Rangers during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 22, 2010 in Arlington,

Bringing Derek Jeter into St. Louis to team up with Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday looks really good on paper, but it probably won't happen unless the Cardinals decide to add payroll.

Next offseason the team will have to make Pujols the highest-paid player in baseball, re-sign both Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter and look at adding other pieces to a team that should be a perennial-playoff team.

Bringing in Jeter would be awesome, but at this point, it seems impractical.

Honorable Mention: Oakland A's

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees warms up against the Texas Rangers in Game Four of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 19, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Rangers won 10-3. (Ph

Derek Jeter would definitely be an upgrade over Cliff Pennington in Oakland. But the A's probably won't sign the All-Star shortstop.

Oakland's management seems content to try to let the young talent develop on its own.

Also, bringing in Jeter would add a lot of unnecessary payroll to a team that tries to keep its costs down.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees smiles during batting practice against the Texas Rangers in Game Four of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 19, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Ph

Derek Jeter probably wouldn't sign with the Boston Red Sox, but he would definitely consider signing with another AL East team.

The Blue Jays could definitely use Jeter's veteran leadership. The Jays have some solid players, including home-run champion Jose Bautista.

Jeter could be the piece that's missing from an unlikely playoff run in Toronto.

4. Cincinnati Reds

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 18: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees fields an infield single hit by Michael Young #10 of the Texas Rangers in the top of the third inning of Game Three of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 18, 20

The Reds are stacked with young talent mixed with veteran leadership. Can you imagine an infield featuring Scott Rolen, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Derek Jeter.

As a St. Louis Cardinal fan, that thought terrifies me.

The Reds already showed that they can win the NL Central and are primed to do it again. Adding Jeter would give them the playoff experience they need to be a World Series contender.

3. Atlanta Braves

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees reacts against the Texas Rangers in Game Two of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 16, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Get

The Braves have a club option they can pick up on shortstop Alex Gonzalez. But if they signed Derek Jeter, they wouldn't need to pick up that option.

Jeter would be a huge lift to Atlanta's offense, which desperately needs a top-of-the-order hitter.

The Braves also play in a big enough market to satisfy Jeter.

2. Baltimore Orioles

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 18: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees fails on a attempt to throw out Michael Young #10 of the Texas Rangers on an infield single in the top of the third inning of Game Three of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stad

The Orioles could really use some infield help. And you know they'd love to steal Jeter from the mighty New York Yankees.

They also have an owner (Peter Angelos) who would be willing to spend the money to stick it to New York.

The one thing that would hold them back is whether or not they decide a youth movement is the best thing for this team. But as long as Brian Roberts is manning second base, the Orioles haven't fully committed to a youth movement.

1. San Francisco Giants

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees hits a RBI double in the top of the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers in Game One of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 15, 2010 in Ar

The San Francisco Giants are coming off a World Series victory. But they cut the MVP of the series, shortstop Edgar Renteria.

So that means they will be on the prowl for a shortstop this winter. Therefore, if the Yankees decide to cut ties with Jeter for some reason, the Giants could be the first ones to pounce.

If Jeter were to leave the Yankees, the Giants make a lot of sense. They are clearly a playoff-caliber team and play in a big market.

Plus, the West Coast might be a nice change of scenery for Jeter.